'Hopefully, I am better than you' - Proteas U-19 star Kwena Maphaka's message to Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa U-19 team pacer Kwena Maphaka has wished to be better than distinguished India speedster Jasprit Bumrah. His comments came after a sensational performance against the West Indies in the second game of the ongoing U-19 World Cup 2024 at Potchefstroom on Friday, January 19, which South Africa won by 31 runs.

He finished with exceptional figures of 5/38 and went on to win the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His celebration during the match garnered worldwide attention as it was similar to that of Bumrah, the usual 'I don't know' with his hands out wide. The Proteas bowler has opened up about why he has celebrated in that particular way.

"I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said 'I have no clue. I don't know'. I said, 'You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the "I don't know" celebration,'" he said in a video shared by ICC on Instagram.

The left-arm pacer also had a message for Bumrah, as he stated "Jasprit you're a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you."

Watch the video:

Kwena Maphaka 'happy' with his performance against Windies

Kwena Maphaka further opened up about his impressive spell, stating he feels happy to begin their campaign on a triumphant note.

"It's definitely a great way to get the World Cup started off. We knew we had it in us. We were just waiting for that performance. I am happy it could come out today and hopefully a few more," the pacer added.

Speaking of the game, West Indies won the toss and opted to field first. Dewan Marais struck a half-century as South Africa posted 285 in allotted overs. Nathan Sealy was key for the West Indies as he claimed a three-wicket haul for 34 runs. Chasing a target of 286, the West Indies fell short of 254 in 40.1 overs despite wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew's spectacular 130-run innings.